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David McK (3798 KP) rated Batman: Revolution in Books

Nov 30, 2025  
Batman: Revolution
Batman: Revolution
John Jackson Miller | 2025
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second of John Jackson Miller's two (at least, so far!) Batman '89 books and after Batman: Resurrection, set between the events of the original 1989 movie and the 1992 sequel Batman Returns.

I also had to keep reminding myself that 1995's Batman Forever (and even the later - and woeful - Batman & Robin) are not considered part of the same universe, despite both still featuring Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's faithful butler who is in on the secret.

In particular, 95's Batman Forever (which was Val; Kilmer's sole outing on the cape) features Jim Carrey as The Riddler, one of the two main villains of that film.

And also the main villain of this (albeit not Jim Carrey's manic version!).

This also brings back the reporter Alexander Knox - who has a larger role here than in the previous novel - and has a pre-Catwoman Selina Kyle having a larger(ish) role in the proceedings, alongside Max Schreck and his son Chip.

I *think* that may be why I didn't gel as much with this entry as the previous - namely, that I couldn;t get Jim Carrey's version of The Riddler out of my head the whole time I was reading this, despite knowing he's a very different take on the character than here.

That's not to say that this is a bad read, per se, - it's not, by any stretch of the imagination - just that I feel it may be better read 'cold', that is, without any pre-existing baggage. A hard sell in this day and age, I know!
  
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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988) in Movies

Nov 24, 2021  
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
1988 | Horror
8
7.1 (38 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Hellbound is a sequel that stands next to it's groundbreaking predecessor as a proud equal. It's quick turnaround and it's returning crew ensure that it feels like a smooth continuation, and both films could easily be watched back to back.
The visuals go bigger and harder this time around. A longer portion of the movie is spent in the cenobites' hellish dimension, and it's a striking and otherwordly design. Once again, Pinhead and his cronies don't take up too much screentime, ensuring that they're presence is impactful. The narrative does explore the background of these antagonists a little more, but thankfully, doesn't completely destroy the mystery surrounding them, and provides an interesting plot device a bit later on.
The main villain is Dr Channard, a psychiatrist who has a dangerous obsession with the legend of the Lament Configuration. Kenneth Cranham steals the show in the role, and makes for a memorable bad guy, especially during the last half. He also has the best line - "and to think... I hesitated" - definitely a top moment in the history of horror.
Clare Higgins is another highlight, as she is in the first Hellraiser, her character delightfully more sinister than before.
Once again, Hellbound boasts some top class practical effects, contributing to its unique aesthetic, and Christopher Young absolutely smashes it out the park with another incredible music score.

Both Hellraiser and Hellbound are astonishing examples of how excellent, nightmarish, and beautiful this genre can be, and will always be hailed as high points. Great stuff.